Cat Report 2018 NEWLY FUNDED STUDIES:

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1 Cat Report 2018 Morris Animal Foundation has been an early advocate of emerging problems in feline medicine, such as the recognition that cats are not small dogs and have different and specific challenges when it comes to such health concerns as pain management. Dr. B. Duncan X. Lascelles, North Carolina State University Morris Animal Foundation-funded Researcher NEWLY FUNDED STUDIES: Gastrointestinal Disease University of Sydney, Australia Investigate if multiple parvovirus strains or other viruses are contributing to the re-emergence of panleukopenia, a severe gastrointestinal infection and major cause of death in shelter-housed cats. Heart Disease University of California, Davis Investigate if genetic mutations in cats with heart disease are directly linked to their variable therapeutic response to clopidogrel, a drug used to prevent life-threatening blood clot complications. Feline Infectious Peritonitis Colorado State University Explore novel ways to diagnose and predict the likelihood a cat will develop feline infectious peritonitis, a fatal viral disease with no known cure. Chronic Kidney Disease University of Tennessee Determine effectiveness of omeprazole, a gastric acid suppressant commonly prescribed to treat gastrointestinal symptoms in cats with chronic kidney disease. Herpesvirus-related Infections Michigan State University Explore genetics behind the lack of effective immunity against feline herpesvirus, a major cause of upper respiratory infections in cats and a significant problem for shelters, with the aim of developing a more effective vaccine. morrisanimalfoundation.org

2 Morris Animal Foundation is committed to solving the challenging health problems that prevent cats from fully living all their nine lives. From early research that seeded the development of the first feline leukemia vaccine protecting millions of cats from related deadly diseases to pioneering studies in fatal feline infectious peritonitis, we continually champion groundbreaking research that moves veterinary medicine forward. Through our funded studies, we are advancing diagnostic tools, refining preventive medicine, and developing new treatments for heart disease, cancer, kidney disease and other health threats so cats everywhere can have longer, happier lives. BY THE NUMBERS ADVANCING VETERINARY MEDICINE 151 scientific publications 1,593 citations by other investigators AVERAGE COST OF FELINE HEALTH STUDY IN 1950 $1,000 AVERAGE COST OF FELINE HEALTH STUDY TODAY FUNDING SINCE 1950: $15.8 million invested 368 studies funded 60 institutions supported $83,890 ABOUT MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION Morris Animal Foundation s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded by a veterinarian in 1948, we fund and conduct critical health studies for the benefit of all animals. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org. Contact us at mailbox@morrisanimalfoundation.org, or 720 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 174A, Denver, CO Morris Animal Foundation

3 Dog Report 2018 For many years, Morris Animal Foundation has been the leader in funding research for the sake of animal health. Without the Foundation, we wouldn t be where we are today in companion animal medicine. Dr. Kate Meurs, North Carolina State University Morris Animal Foundation-funded Investigator NEWLY FUNDED STUDIES: Hemangiosarcoma University of Minnesota Investigate how hemangiosarcoma cells use cholesterol and lipids to fuel tumor growth and find ways to interrupt these pathways in tumor cells. Inflammatory Bowel Disease The University of Melbourne Understand changes in gut bacteria that occur in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease to help identify novel ways to diagnose and treat this condition. New Cancer Drug University of Minnesota Explore a promising new drug used to treat hemangiosarcoma and how it would benefit dogs with other incurable cancers. Environmental Chemicals and Cancer University of Wisconsin Examine how specific enzymes in dogs break down and neutralize common environmental chemicals that have been linked to cancers in humans. Stem Cell-Based Therapies The University of Queensland Determine potential of a novel type of stem cell to treat inflammatory and immunemediated diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and atopic dermatitis. Blood Transfusions Washington State University Research effects of additive solutions to improve blood platelet efficacy, storage and availability for life-saving transfusions. Spinal Cord Disease Cornell University Investigate advanced imaging technique to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of spinal cord lesions associated with canine degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal cord disease. Osteosarcoma Tufts University Understand metabolic drivers of cancer growth and new therapy targets to guide development of more effective treatments for osteosarcoma, the most common type of bone cancer in dogs. Novel Therapies University of Minnesota Investigate common heart medications as an effective adjunct therapy for dogs with hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive and deadly cancer. Lymphocytic Leukemia Colorado State University Explore potential treatment and diagnostic targets for B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a type of blood and bone marrow cancer, and ways to identify high-risk patients. Severe Bleeding Disorders Iowa State University Research how to measure canine thrombopoietin, a bone marrow growth factor, to improve the diagnosis and treatment of immune thrombocytopenia, a severe bleeding disorder. morrisanimalfoundation.org

4 Since 1950, Morris Animal Foundation has funded research to address the critical health needs of our canine companions. From supporting early research that led to the development of the first parvovirus vaccine, to today s health challenges, such as canine influenza and cancer, the Foundation is dedicated to unlocking new discoveries and bringing revolutionary treatments into practice to create longer, healthier lives for the dogs we love. BY THE NUMBERS ADVANCING VETERINARY MEDICINE 387 scientific publications 5,264 citations by other investigators AVERAGE COST OF CANINE HEALTH STUDY IN 1950 $1,000 AVERAGE COST OF CANINE HEALTH STUDY TODAY FUNDING SINCE 1950: $44.5 million invested 974 studies funded 93 institutions supported $90,660 ABOUT MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION Morris Animal Foundation s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded by a veterinarian in 1948, we fund and conduct critical health studies for the benefit of all animals. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org. Contact us at mailbox@morrisanimalfoundation.org, or 720 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 174A, Denver, CO Morris Animal Foundation

5 Horse & Alpaca Report 2018 Morris Animal Foundation is unique among equine funding agencies because of its willingness to invest in much-needed bench research to solve complex diseases. Dr. Molly McCue, University of Minnesota Morris Animal Foundation-funded Researcher NEWLY FUNDED EQUINE STUDIES: Asthma The University of Tennessee Investigate differences in mast cell subtypes, key cells involved in acute and chronic asthma in horses, to help identify better diagnostic and treatment strategies. Equine Metabolic Syndrome Murdoch University, Australia Investigate a new laboratory test to improve diagnosis of equine metabolic syndrome, a metabolic and hormonal disorder in horses. Foal Pneumonia Texas A&M University Determine if vaccinating mares will protect their newborn foals against pneumonia caused by the bacterium Rhodococcus equi. Parasites University of Delaware Identify parasite species that are resistant to common deworming drugs. Antibiotic Resistance The University of Georgia Study the biological mechanisms involved in R. equi drug resistance and develop strategies to prevent the spread of resistant microorganisms. Joint Infections North Carolina State University Investigate a new treatment for persistent joint infections in horses. Laminitis University of Minnesota Learn more about how diet influences a horse s gut bacteria (microbiome) and metabolism (metabolome) and impacts insulin, key information to understanding how to feed horses at risk for laminitis. Sepsis Oklahoma State University Establish optimal dosing for amikacin administration, an antibiotic used to treat life-threatening bacterial infections, such as sepsis, in foals. Regenerative Therapies North Carolina State University Examine if a novel cell culture strategy can be used to prevent the immune system from destroying donor stem cells. Microbiome Utrecht University, Netherlands Explore the potential relationship between the bacterial composition of the gut, known as the microbiome, and the development of equine metabolic syndrome in Shetland ponies. NEWLY FUNDED ALPACA STUDY: Genetics Curtin University, Australia Study the genetic causes of health problems in gray-colored alpacas, critical steps toward the development of a screening test to improve the overall health of these animals. morrisanimalfoundation.org

6 Morris Animal Foundation funds both equine and camelid (alpaca and llama) studies. From developing genetic screening tests for serious conditions such as combined immunodeficiency disease and equine type I polysaccharide storage myopathy to today s health challenges of foal pneumonia and equine metabolic syndrome, we re working toward a world where horses enjoy longer, healthier lives. For alpacas and llamas, we have developed safer anesthesia, advanced pain management and treatments, and improved dietary measures to reduce developmental diseases, such as rickets, in young animals. We also are continually improving the alpaca genome to identify genetic causes of diseases to ensure alpaca and llama herds are healthy and thriving. BY THE NUMBERS ADVANCING VETERINARY MEDICINE 277 scientific publications 3,856 citations by other investigators AVERAGE COST OF EQUINE HEALTH STUDY IN 1959 $4,000 AVERAGE COST OF EQUINE HEALTH STUDY TODAY $83,448 AVERAGE COST OF LLAMA/ALPACA HEALTH STUDY IN 1990 $7,500 AVERAGE COST OF LLAMA/ALPACA HEALTH STUDY TODAY $104,539 FUNDING SINCE 1959: $20+ million invested 549 studies funded 60 institutions supported ABOUT MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION Morris Animal Foundation s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded by a veterinarian in 1948, we fund and conduct critical health studies for the benefit of all animals. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org. Contact us at mailbox@morrisanimalfoundation.org, or 720 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 174A, Denver, CO Morris Animal Foundation

7 Wildlife Report 2018 Morris Animal Foundation has played a significant role in advancing our understanding of reproductive biology of endangered species, knowledge that will promote the long-term survival of animals around the world. Dr. Budhan Pukazhenthi, Smithsonian Institution Morris Animal Foundation-funded Researcher NEWLY FUNDED WILDLIFE STUDIES: Frog Spindly Leg Syndrome Smithsonian Institution Understand causes of a developmental abnormality to improve survival in captive, conservation amphibians. Black-Footed Ferret Infertility Smithsonian Institution Identify genetic features limiting reproductive function to help save this species. Emerging Snake Virus University of Rochester Study a new reptarenavirus linked to inclusion body disease, an often fatal infection of boid snakes. Bald Eagle Lead Poisoning Cornell University Analyze the impact of lead poisoning on the long-term health and recovery of bald eagles. Tasmanian Devil Facial Cancer University of Southampton, United Kingdom Investigate a second contagious facial cancer threatening Tasmanian devils. Bear-Bile Farming Impact Washington State University Investigate link between bile extraction practices and cardiovascular and kidney disease in rescued Asiatic black bears. Amphibian & Reptile Diagnostic Tools University of Florida Establish tissue culture lines to minimize animal use in disease conservation projects. Cape Buffalo Microbiome Oregon State University Learn how microbiome changes correlate with survival and disease susceptibility in calves. Muskoxen Herd Health University of Calgary, Canada Measure stress hormone levels to inform conservation strategies. Companion Bird Reproductive Diseases Tufts University Investigate a technique to suppress hormone production in birds with reproductive-related diseases. Sea Birds & Antibiotic Resistance University of São Paulo, Brazil Trace contamination sources of antibioticresistant genes in seabirds to evaluate human impact on wildlife health. Grauer s Gorilla & Parasites University of California, Davis Learn about disease spread from parasites and other agents that threaten wild great apes worldwide. Avian Respiratory Fungal Infection Tufts University Evaluate a technique for earlier diagnosis of aspergillosis, a fungus that causes respiratory disease in wild and captive birds. Bat White-Nose Syndrome Lesley University Investigate factors impacting the reproduction and recovery of little brown bats nearly wiped out by this fungal disease. Frog Chytrid Fungus James Cook University, Australia Boost immunity against chytridiomycosis, a deadly fungal disease responsible for the worldwide decline of amphibians. Wildlife Supportive Care Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Guide the use of drugs and supportive treatments during capture for health and wildlife management. morrisanimalfoundation.org

8 For more than half a century, Morris Animal Foundation has tackled emerging diseases, pinpointed how diseases spread and jump species, and helped inform disease management strategies and wildlife health policies. From sea turtles and elephants to gorillas and muskoxen, our continued investment in animal health research is a vital factor in determining the long-term survival of many threatened and endangered species. BY THE NUMBERS ADVANCING VETERINARY MEDICINE 434 scientific publications 6,796 citations by other investigators AVERAGE COST OF WILDLIFE HEALTH STUDY IN 1967 $3,000 AVERAGE COST OF WILDLIFE HEALTH STUDY TODAY FUNDING SINCE 1967: $25 million invested 654 studies funded 165 institutions supported $91,395 ABOUT MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION Morris Animal Foundation s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded by a veterinarian in 1948, we fund and conduct critical health studies for the benefit of all animals. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org. Contact us at mailbox@morrisanimalfoundation.org, or 720 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 174A, Denver, CO Morris Animal Foundation